Shepherd Of The Valley Preschool vs. West Valley Christian School
Should you attend Shepherd Of The Valley Preschool or West Valley Christian School? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
School


Top Rankings
Shepherd Of The Valley Preschool ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
West Valley Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Overview
Shepherd of the Valley offers its students an excellent "whole person" preparation for life where the challenges of learning and achieving are exciting.
Academic studies are very important to us and for our students, but as important as we feel academics are Shepherd feels strongly that students must also develop self-confidence, responsibility, self-discipline, independence, integrity, and group skills in order to successfully meet the challenges they will face in the future.
All of our teachers are highly qualified and motivated, all classes have teacher assistants, and everyone gives loving and nurturing care to every student.
Shepherd of the Valley has been continuously providing top quality education for 48 years at the same location.
We are committed to quality care and learning. Our students are exposed to experiences that promote fundamental skills in the following areas: Social-Emotional, Math, Science, Art, Language, Music and Movement, and Dramatic Play. These fundamental learning experiences promote academic skills that will enhance their next steps in education.
Our Class of 2026's top academic performers (shared with initials for privacy): The strength of our academic program is reflected in recent national achievement data. Our current Class of 2026 includes:Four students scoring in the top 2% nationally on NWEA MAP assessmentsEleven students performing within the top 10% nationallyOver 70% of students performing above national averages in Reading and Mathematics About West Valley Christian School 草榴社区 Christian School Serving West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Chatsworth, Tarzana, Canoga Park, Agoura Hills, and the Greater San Fernando Valley. At West Valley Christian School, we believe exceptional education is about more than academics alone. Located in West Hills, California, WVCS serves preschool through 8th grade families throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities, including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Tarzana, Chatsworth, Northridge, Agoura Hills, Canoga Park, Simi Valley, and Porter Ranch.As a leading Christian private school in the San Fernando Valley, WVCS is committed to preparing students academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally for high school, college, and life beyond the classroom.A Proven College Preparatory Academic ProgramWest Valley Christian School provides a rigorous, balanced, and Christ-centered college preparatory education beginning in preschool and continuing through middle school. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and grow in leadership and character.Our middle school program emphasizes: Advanced writing and analytical thinkingCollege Boardaligned curriculum through SpringBoardAccelerated math pathways including Algebra readiness STEM, fine arts, enrichment, and leadership opportunities, Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong high school preparation for honors and AP pathways. The strength of our academic program is reflected in recent national achievement data. Our current Class of 2026 includes: Four students scoring in the top 2% nationally on NWEA MAP assessmentsEleven students performing within the top 10% nationally; Over 70% of students performing above national averages in Reading and Mathematics. These outcomes reflect the intentional design of a program focused on both academic excellence and whole-child development. . Recognized for Academic Excellence and Critical ThinkingDuring our most recent accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), West Valley Christian School earned the highest possible rating in 17 of 20 categories-our strongest accreditation results to date. Accreditation evaluators specifically highlighted WVCS's emphasis on critical thinking as a distinctive strength of the school's educational program. At WVCS, we believe students thrive when academic rigor is balanced with encouragement, faith, creativity, and strong relationships. Our smaller school environment allows teachers to truly know their students while helping each child grow in confidence, responsibility, and purpose.Families often choose WVCS because they are looking for: A Christian private school near Woodland HillsA private elementary school near Calabasas. A middle school with strong academics in the San Fernando Valley. A nurturing Christian preschool in West HillsA college preparatory Christian middle school near Tarzana or Chatsworth. A faith-based school that values both character and academic excellence. Families Choose West Valley Christian School: Parents throughout West Hills and the surrounding Valley communities consistently describe WVCS as:A caring and relational school environmentA place where students are both challenged and supportedA school with strong communication and family partnership. A program focused on critical thinking, writing, and college readinessA Christ-centered community with meaningful student relationshipsA balanced school culture emphasizing academics, enrichment, leadership, athletics, and the artsExplore the WVCS Experience. We invite families to learn more about the West Valley Christian School experience and see our classrooms, performances, student activities, athletics, and school culture in action. West Valley Christian School Website: West Valley Christian School YouTube Channel. West Valley Christian School Instagram What does an exceptional education really look like?Is it only top test scores-or is it students who can think critically, communicate clearly, and grow in character as well as academics?At West Valley Christian School, we believe it must be both.A Commitment to Excellence-For Every Learner Our program is intentionally designed to challenge high-achieving students while also supporting and developing every learner. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all education-we believe in equipping each student to reach their highest potential.Proven Academic Strength In our 2023 accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), we earned the highest possible rating in 17 of 20 categories-our strongest results to date.
Evaluators highlighted our emphasis on critical thinking as a distinctive strength of our program.Student Outcomes That Reflect the Work Here's a snapshot of our Class of 2026's top academic performers (shared with initials for privacy): Math Top 5 Students Average: 98th percentile (top ~2% nationally) Reading Top 5 Students Average: 93rd percentile These results demonstrate not just high achievement-but consistency across disciplines, a key indicator of true college readiness.More Than Academics Strong scores matter-but they're not the whole story.
Our curriculum integrates: Critical thinking and problem-solving Writing across all subject areas Character development rooted in Christian values Classroom experiences that prepare students for high school, college, and life What Sets Our Program Apart Families often ask how to evaluate a school.
We encourage you to look beyond reviews and ask: Are students being challenged and supported at the same time? Is critical thinking taught intentionally? Do outcomes reflect both growth and excellence?At West Valley Christian, the answer is yes-and we continue to refine and strengthen our program each year.We are proud of our Class of 2026 and grateful for a community that values both academic excellence and meaningful growth.
Grades Offered
NS-NS
PK-8
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Learning Difference Programs
No
Yes
Year Founded
1962
1978
Students Body
Total Students
90 students
291 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
14%
50%
Students by Grade
n/a
Students by Grade
Nursery Students
12
70
Pre-K Students
78
15
Kindergarten Students
-
24
Grade 1 Students
-
25
Grade 2 Students
-
25
Grade 3 Students
-
25
Grade 4 Students
-
20
Grade 5 Students
-
23
Grade 6 Students
-
23
Grade 7 Students
-
21
Grade 8 Students
-
20
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
22 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
90%
40%
Average Class Size
16
23
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
List of Courses Offered
Matric. DataMatriculation Data
n/a
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Formal
(School polos required, Khaki/Navy pants, shorts, skirts.)
(School polos required, Khaki/Navy pants, shorts, skirts.)
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
None / Rolling
Tuition Cost
$7,250
$13,000
Tuition Notes
Preschool tuition ranges from $3230 to $8100 for two, three, or five day programs.
3rd party will provide financial assistance to all families who apply through 鈥淔ACTS鈥
% on Financial Aid
n/a
50%
Average Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$2,500
Acceptance Rate
90%
80%
Admissions Director
Claudia Zavala-Lanz
Michelle Swales
Admissions Associate
Wendy Torres
Trisha Herget
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3
7
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
n/a
10
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
6th8th
Club or Organization:
CommunityLeadership
Spiritual
Arts and Music Programs:
ArtTheater
Three
Recreational Athletic Programs:
CompetitveVelocity
